Hickory/cherry dimensions?

[Hillbilly]

I found a sawmill slab of cherry heartwood a while back-about 3/4" thick and looks like halfway decent grain. I'm thinking about backing it with a strip of hickory and see if I can get a bow out of it. Never tried cherry, what would be some good dimensions? I'm thinking about a long-ish ALB style.

[Pat B]

Steve, depending on the length, I would go at least 1 1/2" for 6" or more then taper to the nocks. Cherry is relatively strong in compression. I believe in TBBI Tim Baker has a cherry pyramid bow. That could be an option for you too.    Pat

[Badger]

Cherry is strong in compression but can suddenly chrysal. I have been going about 1 1/2" on mine but I think will go 2" wide in the future. Cherry is pretty light weight. Makes a great bow, my favorite hunting bow is a hickory backed cherry. Steve

[Hillbilly]

Would a flat belly be better, or a radiused one?

[Badger]

Steve, I always make mine very flat with cherry. Most all my bows normaly have a slightly radiused belly. Cherry can really break your heart as the bows come out so sweet then later on chrysals may start to appear. I think the flat belly may help a bit. I have made hickory backed cherry elbs in the past with radiused bellies and they seem to do fine but have a large working limb area. Steve